JeffCo Health Department Update

Influenza season is here, and it is making a mark on Jefferson County residents. The past two seasons have been less vigorous related to flu activity. This year we are seeing a significant increase in cases. These cases are affecting all ages. Montana Department of Health and Human Services reports “Cases and hospitalizations (of influenza) have increased rapidly over the past few weeks, and both measures are higher than historically seen during this time of year.

Weekly reported cases (last week) also exceeded the peak case count from the previous 2021- 2022 influenza season.” Last week also marked the first reported influenza-associated deaths for the 2022-23 season.

Influenza is caused by a virus that is easily spread from one person to another mainly by droplets made when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can then be spread directly to another person or through contact with objects that have the flu virus on them. The flu can be spread from the day before getting sick up to 5 to 7 days after. Severely ill people may spread the flu longer especially if they still have symptoms.

Flu illnesses vary in severity however influenza can be dangerous for children, pregnant women and their unborn babies, people with a chronic health condition, and those who are over 65 years of age. These individuals are at higher risk for influenza complications or hospitalization and medical care is often needed. Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Sometimes (more commonly in children than adults) vomiting and diarrhea are also symptoms.

There are several ways to protect yourself against the flu virus. Annual flu vaccination for everyone six months old and older is recommended, however, it takes 2 weeks to become fully effective.

Immediate daily actions you can take to help prevent the spread of illness in our community:

• If you are ill, stay home from school, daycare, or work and monitor your symptoms.

• You may return to daily activities when feeling better and fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

• Cover coughs and sneezes.

• Avoid people who are sick, wash hands often, and avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.

Other healthy habits can help us reduce our risks of illness. Eat a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated. Stay physically active. Get plenty of sleep. Consider wearing a mask during high levels of transmission. Masking helps prevent respiratory viruses from spreading.

If you do become ill, contact your healthcare provider especially if you are at high risk for serious illness or have concerning symptoms. Antiviral medications may be an option for you for treatment. Antivirals require a prescription and are used at the beginning of the illness to help prevent complications. They can make the flu (or COVID-19) illness milder and reduce the length of time an individual is sick, especially if you are at risk of serious illness.

The holiday season is here giving us more time with friends and family. It is not too late to protect yourself and those you care about from influenza. Practice healthy habits and consider a flu vaccine if you have not already received one. Getting a vaccine now provides protection while flu activity is elevated. Flu activity commonly peaks in February with a significant spread until May. Stay warm and stay well!